What are enterococci?
Enterococci are bacteria found in the normal gastrointestinal tract and female genital tract. These bacteria are normally found in the stool of humans. What infections are caused by enterococci? Enterococci may cause urinary tract, intra-abdominal, bloodstream, skin/soft tissue, and wound infections. Enterococci may also cause infections of the heart, brain, or spinal cord. What are vancomycin-resistant enterococci or VRE? Enterococci are resistant to many antibiotics. Enterococci that are resistant to vancomycin are referred to as vancomycin-resistant enterococci or VRE. What is the difference between colonization and infection? Colonization means that bacteria are present on or in the body but cause no signs and symptoms. For example, VRE may be present in the intestine or on the skin without causing signs and symptoms. Infection is the result of the bacteria causing an illness. The signs and symptoms of infection would depend on where the infection is. For example, a patient who has
